There are several assisted living facilities equipped to handle Alzheimer's patients in North Tampa and the county, but few exist in South Tampa.

MID PENINSULA -- When Luci Norlin's mother, Jean, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's at age 66, her family sought a home that would keep her through each stage of the disease.

They found one on Platt Street.

Norlin liked it so much she ultimately bought it.

"I knew I had to have a place where my mom would get the best care," says Norlin, 38.

Now her 12-bed center is full, and there's a waiting list to get in. Residents all have memory disorders; eight are diagnosed with Alzheimer's.

Little -- short of buying a health care facility -- guarantees finding space for advanced Alzheimer's patients in South Tampa. Although assisted living facilities are growing in number, few accept severe Alzheimer's cases.

"I think there's a need for good qualified care," Norlin says. "It was difficult to find a place for my mom that could care for her through her entire illness."

Most assisted living facilities only care for those in the early stages of the disease. As Alzheimer's progresses, patients wander and need a secured setting with locked doors. They may become frustrated, confused and even violent. Many live with the disease for years.

There are assisted living facilities in Carrollwood, North Tampa and Sun City Center equipped to handle Alzheimer's patients but few exist in South Tampa.

More common are skilled nursing units -- known generically as nursing homes -- designed for those in later stages of the disease.

"Many people can function in an assisted living environment for a long time, but as they progress they often need more intensive care," said Terri Cecchini, admissions coordinator for Mariner Health of Tampa on Gandy Boulevard.